Gut Health Inflammation and Mood Disorders

Evidence is making it very clear that there is a strong association between gut health, brain function and mood.

It has long been known that stress can wreak havoc with our digestive tract. It appears now that problems in the GI tract can also negatively impact the brain. Potentially causing anxiety and depression.

In other words, what is transpiring in your gut may directly influence central nervous system function. Hence gut health influences neural circuitry and can therefore have an effect (positive or negative) on behavior.

The newest research suggests, for instance, that how your digestive tract evolves in the first few years of life can influence the health of your brain. This also means it will subsequently affect your behavior in the future. This hypothesis is predicated upon the way in which a healthy GI floral population positively influences neurons involved in motor control and behavior. In the case of those with overwhelming populations of gut pathogens or gut dysbiosis, it can pave the way for the development of anxiety and depression later in life.

Microbiota, Inflammation, Autoimmunity, Depression

Gut health and gastrointestinal compromise can be a mechanism for the origins of systemic inflammation and autoimmunity. Since both inflammation and autoimmune conditions have also been associated with the genesis of mood disorders. It is only reasonable to suggest, again, that an intimate relationship between gut health, brain function and mental health exists. As one recent study demonstrates, inflammatory bowel disease in animal experiments can have an adverse effect on the hypothalamus. It does so by increasing the sensitivity of the HPA axis to stress.

Regarding the inflammatory process and depression, one study took interest in new moms. It went as far as to suggest that addressing inflammation in new moms could possibly go a long way in helping to prevent the symptoms of postpartum depression. Another study suggested a cause and effect relationship between GI inflammatory/intestinal permeability and the pathogenesis of alcoholism.

As some of the previous studies have established, it appears quite irrefutable that there is constant communication between our microbial symbiotic gut inhabitants and ourselves. In this case it is more precisely between our central nervous system through GABA receptors in the vagus nerve.

Probiotics

Taking this discussion a step further, could it be that certain human strains of probiotics have a therapeutic effect? Could they positively influence mood? Could we further emphasize this special symbiotic relationship? Several studies have shown that this is indeed the case.

One particular strain, Bifidobacterium infantis, was shown to significantly influence the stress response. It does so by normalizing specific measurements of the HPA axis. It also improves the immune response and cytokine modulation. So, this particular strain offers an interesting modulation of stress and depression.

Researchers continue to find evidence to support the opinion that the brain can directly communicate with the microbiota. These diverse bacterial populations make up the natural environment of the GI tract. In fact, the microbiota has intimate control of the function of the GI tract through the vagus nerve. According to one study, “Since the interactions of microbes with host lead to a complex balance of host genes, alteration of microbiota population can cause several metabolic disorders.”

This implies the importance of maintaining the health of the digestive system’s bacterial micro-environment. And makes the significance of probiotic use quite evident.

The relationship and communication between our gut and brain is profound and intimate. This knowledge further brings into focus the importance of maintaining an optimally functioning gastrointestinal tract. This also strengthens the view that perhaps the gastrointestinal system be a priority in the evaluation of new patients. Since if overlooked or taken for granted may lead us away from an important cause of many chronic diseases.